Mouthwash
Antiseptic mouth rinse used for oral hygiene and therapeutic purposes.
Mouthwash, also known as mouth rinse, oral rinse, or mouth bath, is a liquid held or swirled in the mouth and sometimes gargled. It is used primarily as an antiseptic to reduce microbial load, but also for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, or cosmetic purposes, such as controlling bad breath. Its use dates back to ancient civilizations, with references in Chinese, Greek, Roman, Jewish, and Native American traditions, and it remains a common adjunct to oral hygiene today.
- definition
- Liquid held in the mouth for oral hygiene or therapeutic purposes
- common_volume
- 20–50 ml (0.7–1.7 US fl oz)
- typical_duration
- Swished or gargled for about half a minute
- key_ingredients
- Antiseptics, fluoride, alcohol, or herbal extracts
Lore & Background
In the 17th century, Anton van Leeuwenhoek discovered living organisms in dental plaque and tested mouthwashes containing vinegar or brandy, finding they killed organisms in water but not those in plaque, concluding the rinse did not reach or persist long enough. The modern era advanced in the late 1960s when Harald Loe demonstrated that a chlorhexidine compound could prevent dental plaque buildup, as it adheres to mouth surfaces for extended periods.
Reader's Guide
Mouthwash serves as an adjunct to brushing and flossing, not a replacement. The American Dental Association states that regular brushing and proper flossing are sufficient for most, though mouthwashes can help with plaque, gingivitis, and oral malodor, especially for those who find mechanical methods tedious. However, rinsing immediately after brushing with fluoride toothpaste can reduce salivary fluoride and anti-cavity benefits; experts advise to 'spit, avoid rinsing' and use fluoride mouthwash at a different time. Side effects include taste disturbance, tooth staining, dry mouth, and allergic reactions. Alcohol-containing mouthwashes may worsen dry mouth and halitosis. Prescription 'magic mouthwashes' are used for oral surgery and mucositis, but evidence shows saline solution is equally effective. Serious harm can result from ingestion due to alcohol and toxic substances, particularly in toddlers and homeless individuals. Antiseptic mouthwash may disrupt the oral microbiome and increase cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease risks.
Did You Know?
- Gargling is practiced in Japan for perceived prevention of viral infection, often using infusions or tea.
- Surrogate alcohol use, such as ingestion of mouthwash, is a common cause of death among homeless people due to toxic substances.
- The Huangdi Neijing, an ancient Chinese text, advised using a child's urine as a mouthwash for gingivitis.
- Anton van Leeuwenhoek found that mouthwash with vinegar or brandy killed organisms in water but not in dental plaque.
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